Originally posted by txleapd They will be included in our prayers. You don't need to post their names, I'm betting God will know who I'm talking about.

Keep the faith Russ. It takes more courage to see your children off to war than it does to go yourself. I pray that I never have to be as brave as you. God bless.

Yep, he knows their names...

There was never a day when I was in combat that I didn't have some degree, some sense of apprehension, fear, or terror. It probably is what kept me alive. My memories of that pales to what I am feeling now.

Thanks for the prayers.

__________________Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die, that the protected will never know.

As a lucky father who's son just returned after 15 months, I feel your pain and deep concern.

While it is no use to tell you not to worry, you naturely will. Try to find happiness in the fact that you and your family are committed to doing the right thing and seeing that freedom is kept alive.

While both my wife and I are military retirees we too found it very hard but supported the effort. Ou son returned a much smarter man though humbled too. Your children are embarking on a jouney that will forever change their hearts and minds. They will need and seek your support and knowledge while there, ever chance they get.

We, America, salute you and them. May they return in good heatlh with Godspeed.

Don't be sorry. I started down a path 20 years ago that got me into this, and it was all voluntary. Although the reasoning for me going does not seem to make sense, this is all part of a bigger plan someone has for me. I have always believed thing happen for a reason, but as I get older I believe it more. And guess what, someone has been watching out for me over the years or I am an extremely lucky guy, because I have had too many great things happen to me over the years.

{Wife's Name} and I have been through this before and we will get through it again. There are many differences this time. Last time the world had no idea how the war would end up. This time, going at this point, there is more known about how this will all end. Last time I left a young wife who I had just started a life with. This time I leave a family that I have not finished influencing and developing, although some of them would argue I have no influence. Last time there was no date to come back, this time at least we know 18 months. As I told the kids, this is a little harder because they have not seen others around them go away to war, but we are not the first family to go through this and we won't be the last. As unfortunate as it appears, it will be a defining time in all our lives and we will all be better for what we go through.

That's all...

;? ;?

__________________Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die, that the protected will never know.

Well, yesterday we had a family get together for the oldest son headed to Afghanistan.

He still doesn't know his final duty station there. He reports to Germany on the 15 November where he'll unseal those orders. For anyone who is not familiar with that process, it is a strange feeling to have a sealed envelope with orders inside to an unknown destination with instructions in bold red print that read "OPEN ONLY UPON PRESENTATION TO..." and there was usually a senior officer's name. For me and my counter-parts, it usually meant we were going somewhere "special" and I don't Disneyland "special" either.

He is the only one from his reserve unit going; it is a "by name request" as he put it. And the mission now is "intelligence and security." When he said that I frankly didn't want to know anymore because then when his mom asks, "What do you think he's doing?", I can honestly say he didn't give me enough details...

I can honestly say to any man or woman under his command, "You are fortunate, for the Major is going to look after you and get the job done the right way: He hates losing in a big way. You'll always know where you stand with him, and he will earn your respect."

Please continue to keep him and all our men and women in Service in your prayers...

Thanks,

RussP

;? ;? ;w

__________________Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die, that the protected will never know.